North Central College is being nationally recognized as a College of Distinction for 2012-2013.

North Central College is being nationally recognized as a College of Distinction for 2012-2013.

Colleges of Distinction is a college guide that considers the views of guidance counselors, educators and admissions professionals to honor colleges that excel in four areas of undergraduate education: student engagement in the educational process, great teaching, vibrant learning communities and successful outcomes.

The Princeton Review has once again named North Central College a Best Midwestern College in its annual survey of the nation’s best colleges.

The Princeton Review has once again named North Central College a Best Midwestern College in its annual survey of the nation’s best colleges.

North Central College is among a select group of institutions nationwide highlighted by The Princeton Review in “The Best 377 Colleges, 2013 Edition.”

Only about 15 percent of America’s 2,500 four-year colleges are profiled in the book, which is based on the Princeton Review’s surveys of 122,000 college students. The Princeton Review began surveying college students and publishing its findings in 1992.

Kenton Skarin ’04 has reached the upper echelon of the legal profession. He was appointed to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court law clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas for the 2012-2013 session and began his assignment in July after moving his family from Wheaton, IL, to Alexandria, VA, for the year.

“I really consider this as the opportunity of a lifetime—I’m one of the luckiest guys alive and North Central was the beginning point,” he says.

Proceeds from the sale of artwork currently exhibited at North Central College will directly benefit the College’s Riverwalk Gateway project.

June 7, 2012—Proceeds from the sale of artwork currently exhibited at North Central College will directly benefit the College’s Riverwalk Gateway project.

Visitors may purchase more than 40 different pieces from the exhibit “Images from a Well-Traveled Lens,” on display through June 24 in Schoenherr Gallery at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. The exhibit showcases the photography of Hunt Harris, a Moline native who has visually documented his travels around the world.

Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams delivered the address Saturday, June 9, at the 147th Commencement of North Central College.

June 9, 2012—Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams delivered the address Saturday, June 9, at the 147th Commencement of North Central College.

Williams noted it was the final Commencement for North Central College President Harold R. Wilde, who is retiring at the end of 2012 after 22 years as president.

“North Central College is fortunate to have had a President with such a long and exceptional tenure,” Williams told the audience. “While I’m sure everyone is sad to see you go, we know that you are leaving behind an incredible legacy.”

A new tradition—inviting alumni back to campus to talk informally with students—was incorporated as part of programming for Honors Day and the Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research this year.

“Our alumni are an untapped resource for our students and I’m excited about inviting them back to share their experiences with our science students,” said Professor of Biology and Roger and Nadeane Hruby Professor in the Liberal Arts and Sciences Stephen Johnston as he welcomed two North Central College alumni from the class of 2005.

College of DuPage graduate Brendan McCormack of West Chicago has been awarded the 2012 North Central College/College of DuPage Honors Scholarship.

May 22, 2012—College of DuPage graduate Brendan McCormack of West Chicago has been awarded the 2012 North Central College/College of DuPage Honors Scholarship.

The award is a renewable full-tuition scholarship that enables a College of DuPage Honors Scholar to pursue studies at North Central College and earn a bachelor’s degree. This year’s award was presented May 1 during COD’s Celebration of Academic Excellence to recognize 2011-2012 Honors and Presidential Scholars.

More than 2,300 people shared lunch May 18 at North Central College’s Cornerstone Picnic and groundbreaking for the Riverwalk Gateway project.

More than 2,300 people shared lunch May 18 at North Central College’s Cornerstone Picnic, which included a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Riverwalk Gateway project.

Community members joined students, faculty and staff for a “Foods of Naperville” featuring complimentary menu samples from more than a dozen Naperville restaurants. Entertainment was provided by student performers—including a jazz ensemble, cast members from an upcoming production of “Forever Plaid” and the “NCC Express” group of singers and dancers.